With summer fast approaching so does the number of awesome festivals happening not just nationally but regionally. Here at MNunderground, we've got our annual trip to The Summer Set Music Festival already lined up. However this year we are branching out & packing our freshest gear and heading down to St. Charles, Iowa (outside of Des Moines) for the second annual, Hinterland Music Festival. Hinterland takes place on August 5th & 6th for 2 full days of great music. This festival screamed our name not just because of the amazing line up but because it’s a festival for people who love music and the outdoors. Don't get us wrong, the line-up definitely caught our attention when we first caught wind of this festival. With acts from all over the country, you get the perfect blend of artists to please even your pickiest friends. With acts like: Hayes Carll, The Turnpike Troubadours, Houndmouth, Cold War Kids, Grace Potter, Ray LaMontagne & the great Willie Nelson. 

Courtesy of Four Eyes Foto

Definition of Hinterland: The land behind a river. The rural area near a city. A backwater. This could not be more telling of what to expect at this event.  This festival is a tents only campground, NO RVs or campers. No "glamping" here. Unless, you decide to take some of the neighboring hotels up on their reduced rates offered for Hinterland weekend and take the free shuttle to the festivities.  Unlike some festivals Hinterland makes is approved for all ages.. There is a family friendly environment, this will be an event you can take the whole family to (Children 12 & under have free admission with adult admission). The kiddos even have their own “Kinderland." The kid friendly corner of the festival made just for them. There is even a Family/Quiet Camping area available with quiet period from 10pm - 8am so you can get a good night’s rest before seeing your favorite acts. The General Store is also available for any staples you might have forgotten. Not to mention the countless vendors for crafts, food and more that will be available over the two days. 

Courtesy of Jeremy Kim Photography So why not, wind down your summer with your buddies and road trip to Iowa to experience this unique and one of a kind festival.

Courtesy of Jeremy Kim Photography For more information please visit www.hinterlandiowa.com

It had been 20+ years since The Cure had visited Minnesota, far too long for what proved to be an audience of true fans.  Ticket sales outstripped initial expectations so much so that they reconfigured the seating arrangement not once but twice.  With over 12,000 in attendance, it was clear that there is a strong fan-base here.


As the crowd funneled in and found their spots around the Xcel, The Twilight Sad took the stage.  A Scottish band with a moody pop rock sound, they were definitely had soul behind the music.


   


More than once we heard comments from audience members about how fantastic they sounded.  A couple of people even wondering if they were lip-syncing from a recording.  They obviously weren't, but it was a testament to the quality of their performance and the sound in the Xcel center last night.



Was it worth a 20 year wait to have The Cure back in Minnesota?  Absolutely!  We just hope they do it again far sooner than another 20 years from now.